Fed Up with Auto Drivers Demanding Extra Money? Bharat Taxi Promises Fixed RTO Fares in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

We have frequently seen complaints on social media about auto-rickshaw and cab drivers in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad areas charging arbitrary fares. During rainy weather, these drivers often quote fares that are double the standard rate. They frequently refuse to travel to a passenger's desired destination, claiming they won't find a return passenger, and consequently demand extra money. Passengers are often left with no choice but to pay these inflated amounts.

Even when booking via online platforms, drivers often demand more than the fare displayed on the app. To curb these arbitrary practices, the 'Bharat Taxi' service has been launched in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad regions; notably, it charges fares strictly in accordance with RTO mandated rates.

Unlike private app based services, Bharat Taxi does not levy surge charges regardless of rain, traffic conditions, or high passenger demand. Fixed rates have been established: ₹18 per km for auto rickshaws, ₹24 per km for hatchbacks, ₹25 per km for sedans, and ₹31 per km for SUVs. The service claims a cab will be available within 4.5 minutes of booking. With 35,000 drivers already registered, Bharat Taxi is poised for significant expansion across the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad areas.

Bharat Taxi is operated through the 'Sahakar Taxi Co-operative Limited' under the Ministry of Cooperation. Currently, the service operates within Mumbai and Pune, as well as on the Mumbai Pune route. Plans are underway to extend the service to the Pune to Nashik, Pune to Solapur, and Pune to Kolhapur routes in the near future. Significantly, Bharat Taxi has assured passengers of affordable and transparent fare rates. Attention will now focus on whether this assurance from Bharat Taxi will curb the arbitrary fares charged by auto rickshaw drivers and whether it will enable the residents of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad to travel at reasonable rates.

A 'surge charge' refers to a fee levied over and above the base rate of a service. Companies implement this charge when demand exceeds supply.

Key reasons for applying surge charges:

1) Peak hours – During office start or closing times, there is a large volume of commuters, leading to high demand for auto rickshaws or cab

2) Festivals or celebrations – Demand for auto-rickshaws and cabs rises when people gather for festivals.

3) Driver shortage – In certain areas, there may be a scarcity of drivers; high demand coupled with a low number of available drivers triggers the charge.

4) Weather conditions – During rain or inclement weather, more people opt for auto rickshaws or cabs to get home, resulting in increased demand for these services.